In response to the closure of Dhurringile Prison, community members will meet to discuss the future of the site alongside Nationals MPs, Annabelle Cleeland and Kim O’Keeffe.
The meeting has been confirmed for 5pm on Thursday, August 8 at the Dhurringile Hall, with points of discussion set to include what the soon-to-be closed prison can be used for in the future and the economic impact the closure will have on the community.
The closure of the low-security prison is set to leave over 170 on-site staff without jobs, as well as have far-reaching implications on the local economy.
The Nationals’ Members for Euroa and Shepparton, Annabelle Cleeland and Kim O’Keeffe, recently attended a briefing from the Minister for Corrections about the closure of the low-security prison, before helping organise the upcoming meeting with the local community.
Ms Cleeland said the community meeting would allow locals to have their say on what will replace the prison.
“There is a big question remaining about what the site will be used for now that the prison will be shut down,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I think it is best to put the question to the community and hear their thoughts about something that will be such a major factor for the region.
“After the community was sadly kept in the dark leading up to the closure of the prison, it is essential that their concerns are now heard and taken seriously.”
Ms O’Keeffe said locals were best suited to make the call on what comes next for the town as they are the ones who will be impacted the most.
“There are many local businesses which provide goods and services and are significantly impacted by the closure,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“We’re coming together with the community to listen and discuss the future of the site.
“It’s a significant historic landmark, and we need to ensure that the community have a say about its future.”
Both Ms Cleeland and Ms O’Keefe have been vocal in advocating for better community compensation for businesses impacted by the closure and encouraged attendees to bring personal impact statements following the closure of one of the region’s major employers.
Ms Cleeland has also created a survey on her website that allows locals to express what they want to replace the prison, as well as share how the closure has impacted them.
https://www.annabellecleeland.com.au/whats-next-for-dhurringile-prison/
